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cURL

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descriptionCommand-line tool and library for transferring data with URLs across many network protocols.
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cURL usually refers to the curl command-line tool for transferring data with URLs across many network protocols.

The broader curl project also includes libcurl, the underlying transfer library used by many applications and tools.

What it does​

curl sends requests and transfers data from the command line.

It is commonly used to:

  • Make HTTP and HTTPS requests
  • Test APIs and endpoints
  • Download files
  • Send headers, form data, and request bodies
  • Debug network and service behavior from a CLI

Core concepts​

Command-line transfer tool​

curl is one of the standard tools for sending requests from a terminal.

That makes it especially common in developer, ops, and troubleshooting workflows.

Protocol support​

curl supports many protocols, not only HTTP.

That is one reason it is broader than a simple web-request utility.

Tool and library​

The project includes both the curl tool and libcurl.

That distinction matters because many applications use libcurl even if the user never runs the command directly.

Common use cases​

  • Testing API endpoints
  • Inspecting HTTP responses
  • Downloading assets and files
  • Debugging authentication headers and token usage
  • Running scripted network checks

Practical notes​

  • curl is a tool name, not a generic word for web requests.
  • It is especially useful when debugging APIs because it is explicit and scriptable.
  • cURL and curl are often used interchangeably in casual writing, but the actual executable is usually curl.
  • It belongs near CLI, terminal, and API tooling workflows.

Sources Used​

Frequently Asked Questions​

Is cURL only for HTTP?​

No. It supports many protocols, though HTTP and HTTPS are among the most common uses.

Is cURL the same as Postman or Bruno?​

No. It overlaps as a request tool, but curl is a command-line transfer tool rather than a GUI or collection-based API client.

Why use curl for APIs?​

Because it is direct, scriptable, and easy to use in terminal and automation workflows.